How to Keep a Robot Vacuum Clean
Robot vacuums can help keep your floors clean. Depending on the model, they may also sweep, mop, and even vacuum staircases.
Find models that have smart features such as remote control of apps and remote access. Apps can be used to schedule cleaning sessions and monitor the progress. Some can even pause, recharge and return to where they stopped.
1. Battery Life
With self-driving cars drones that can navigate the skies and robot vacuums that nimbly maneuver around furniture, it's safe say that the future of cleaning is now here. But as with any technology it requires some upkeep to ensure it's running efficiently.
The most important aspect in the long-term performance of your robot is the cycle of discharge and charge. Keeping the dust bin full and empty, checking for hairs that have become tangled frequently, and making sure that the brushes are not blocked will make your robot run more effectively.
Another aspect is the environment in which your robot is stored because extreme heat and cold can affect the battery's performance. You can extend the lifespan of your robot's battery by charging it up to 50% and then storing it in a cool place. Also, take it away from the power source when it is not being used. Many smart devices also feature periodic firmware updates that can improve performance and optimize battery. Check the app to see if there's any updates.
A robot vacuum is an excellent alternative for those with many hard floors. It will get rid of dirt and debris fast and efficiently and leave your floors sparkling. If you're looking for more than just a quick clean-up, look for a model that offers superior navigation and obstacles avoidance.
Our top-rated robot The Ecovacs Deebot T20, blends advanced navigation with strong suction and a wide range of mopping features to offer a thorough, deep clean of your floors. It utilizes LiDAR cameras as well as sensors to create detailed maps of the home. This allows it to keep its course and avoid getting stuck in furniture legs or power cables. It also can detect objects such as clutter and shoes, and clean around them automatically. It's also self-emptying, so you don't have to return it to its base to empty the trash after every cleaning session.
2. Dust Bin
Robots are ideal for quick midweek clean-ups however, they lack the suction capacity to replace the power of a plug-in vacuum cleaner when it comes to deep cleans. Even the most powerful robot vacuums are susceptible to getting tangled in cords and toys. They can also overlook dirt piles near the baseboards, and struggle to eliminate crumbs from under furniture. Their onboard dust bins are so full that they need to return to their charging docks to self-empty--a process that can take up to half an hour for some models.
It's therefore important to select a vacuum that has a large dustbin and can empty into its dock without having to return to finish the job. You should also consider whether you'd like a bagged or bagless model, and if you do choose a bagless model what amount of dust will be able to hold before needing to be emptied.
In our experiments, we put 100 grams of sand to carpet with a medium pile and used a robot vacuum to clean the sand. The amount of sand that is weighed in the bin of dust onboard allows us to determine the amount of dirt that has been accumulated. A large amount suggests that the bin onboard could get fuller and force your robot to stop cleaning.
It's a good idea to know that many robot vacuums have large dust bins that can be easily emptied. It is also possible to schedule that they empty their bases at least two times per day. Keep a bin filled with compressed air in your bag to blow out any hairs that are tangled up in the rotating brush, and to clean any filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Wi-Fi Connectivity
The top robot vacuums have various connectivity options to connect with your home's Wi-Fi. This allows the robot to download and install updates to its software, and gives you the option to monitor your robot using an app or through voice-activated commands. Although not required, this feature offers convenience and a variety of customization options that will improve the overall experience of robot vacuuming.
Most models require a certain amount of regular maintenance, like emptying the dust bin or cleaning the brush roll, to keep them functioning at their peak performance. A regular schedule of cleaning, detaching and examining consumable parts can also prolong their lifespan. Vacuum expert Emily Rairdin at University Vacuum & Sewing says three to five years is the average lifespan of the robot vacuum, but this can differ greatly based on the frequency you use it, and whether you maintain it in a proper manner.
In order to operate the robot vacuum, it needs to be able to map out your floors and navigate around obstacles. Advanced navigation systems incorporate cliff sensors, which alert the robot of steep drops. They also have laser and optical sensors to help it "see" the plan of a room. Some robots also come with mopping functions that are specifically designed for them which is useful for maintaining floors in between deep cleanings using the use of a stand-up vacuum.
The most efficient 2-in-1 robots vacuum and mop and sweep, which means you can avoid the hassle of having to switch between two types of vacuum. A prime example is the iRobot Roomba 690, which is a powerful and highly efficient robot vacuum that is able to wipe down surfaces with its water tank and wash the mop pad automatically. Its obstacle avoidance and mapping abilities were so effective that it was awarded the CR's Best Robot Vacuum Award, as well an AVTech Editors Choice Award.
4. Cleaning best budget robot vacuum cleaner tested had impressive pick-up scores on hard floors and carpets with a low pile. They get rid of dust, dirt and pet hair. They also get rid of crumbs and debris along the baseboards and along the edges of rooms. However, they are unable to remove deep-down dirt or tangles in plush shag carpet fibers as well as an upright or canister vacuum. They cannot pick up spilled liquids, food items, or use the weight of metal screws. They might also leave out certain areas (including under furniture).
Many models have clever features that make them more user-friendly. automatic vacuum have an app that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and control the robot remotely. They can be connected to your smart home system so that you can make voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Certain models come with different modes that allow you to choose between mopping and sweeping or vacuuming. They can recharge at their docks and keep cleaning where they left.
The technology to avoid obstacles has advanced over the years, but it's still necessary to remove cords, toys and any pet mess before you run the robot. Before you can map out your space, it is recommended to cover all ceiling-to-floor mirrors with cardboard. The laser employed by some models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to crash against walls or floors.
Some premium models have advanced mapping capabilities, some making use of lidar to create an 3D map of your space. This helps the robot recognize obstacles and design the most efficient path around them. Some robots allow you to create no-go zones to ensure that the robot avoids certain areas, for example, your pet's bowls of food or a costly rug.
5. App Control
Many robots let you set a schedule to clean and operate them hands-free using an app, which means you can take care of your home while you're working or away. Some robots will also empty their debris into a huge bin at the base. This helps reduce dust rerelease and is a great feature for those suffering from allergies.
Some robots can spot objects on the ground and employ a camera as a guide to avoid obstacles such as power cords, furniture legs or pet toys. This is an impressive feature, and it's even available in less expensive models. However, it's essential to regularly empty the dustbin of your robot and look for tangled hairs as they build up.
A high-end model can also store multiple floor maps, which can be useful if you live on more than one floor and some models can even create 3D representations of your home. You can pick certain rooms, and create digital "keep-out" zones to ensure that your robot only cleans the areas you'd like.
Robots are great for midweek clean-ups however they aren't able to substitute for a full-sized plug-in vacuum, particularly on carpets. They are better in removing dirt from carpet than bare flooring, but can still be unable to find piles near baseboards or thresholds as well as tangled cords and socks. Look for a robot with zones and spot cleaning modes. This allows you to focus on specific areas without wasting time. You'll also find a model that recharges and then resumes the same place it left off, which is a major advantage in a big house.